New Testament Baptist Church of Chicago was founded in March of 1942 with just three members under

the leadership of Rev. George Washington.  When the church began to rapidly grow in 1943 they relocated to 6045 S. Normal. Washington had no problem correcting his members while at the same time acknowledging he wasn’t perfect himself with his commonly used phrase “Don’t do as I do.Do as I say do”. With leadership skills and a compassionate spirit Washington had a packed sanctuary every Sunday and held high reverence in his Pastoral walk that as a result other Pastors and preachers would honor him, as some often called him “The Father of All”.

         New Testament was doing very well until Christmas morning of 1978 when the church furnace blew up and caused the church to burn down. After the unexpected fire, church services did not stop but were temporarily held in the fieldhouse on 65th and Racine. Rev. Washington, along with others, were searching for a new building to make their church home and discovered the current location, 2. E. 112th Street, which was then known as the Robert Hall Clothing Building. Even after the trouble of having to recover from the abrupt fire, Washington still managed to have a healthy congregation follow him. Washington battled and had downfalls with his health which caused his death in 1982.

         After Rev. Washington’s death, different Pastor’s were trying to fulfill the position of being the next leader of New Testament. Rev. Yarbrough came, then Rev. Daniel L. Yaunder after him, both fulfilling the position as Pastor for about a year and a half. Rev. Alfonso Butler was later elected to be the new Pastor of New Testament. When Rev. Butler was voted in as Pastor, the membership slowly begin to decline in numbers. Rev. Butler filled the position as Pastor for about fourteen (14) years until he resigned. After Rev. Butler’s departure, he recommended Rev. McKinley Cummins who would later be selected to be Pastor of New Testament. The very few remaining members went through ups and down with Rev. Cummins until he was voted out.

         On November 29, 2003, New Testament was taken under the guidance of the current leader, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Freeny. Pastor Freeny took over ministry with only 13 original NT members and a remnant of the Rhema Baptist Church of Chicago, which he organized. Pastor Freeny is a very down to Earth, humorous, sophisticated, compassionate,insightful, family oriented man of God. Pastor Freeny preaches and teaches God’s Word with simplicity and passion. Freeny has created a fun, youthful, family based atmosphere in New Testament. With Freeny’s very diverse methods he manages to appeal to every person and age group especially to the young, as it is evident by the very youthful congregation. At anytime you're liable to hear our church's battle cry: NT! The diversity of NT ministry is the direct result of Pastor Freeny’s “do what you do” approach. Pastor Freeny has grown a personal relationship with the members of NT. He has a great vision to improve the quality of life for each member of the NT family! As we continue to grow in the Word, we believe that God is going to further bless our church through the vision of our Pastor to the glory of our God!